Harley Harold Speer, 86, of Strafford, MO, formerly of Carthage, IL, passed away Saturday, September 22, 2018 at his home.

Harley was born June 16, 1932 in Lima, IL to Charles Speer and Evelyn Louderback Speer. He married Dorothy Pitt January 1, 1958 in Plymouth, IL.

He was employed over 41 years with the telephone company in Carthage. In the earlier years of his career, he traveled all over mid to southern Illinois and Iowa, gaining a reputation as a first rate cable splicer. Later he turned to warehouse work as the needs of the telephone industry changed.

Harley was an industrious, hard-working person. His hobbies were endeavors to further provide for his family. He made rubber stamps and spent countless hours filling orders in the attic shop of his home (the “Crow’s Nest”). He and his wife sold HomCare products in the 60s and early 70s, he sold advertising products to business owners, and he owned and maintained several rental properties. He never knew a dull moment in his healthy years.

During free time, his very favorite past times were family vacations, deer hunting, morel mushroom hunting, and checkers with his cousin, Don Cludray, who beat him to heaven by 18 years.

Harley was a member of the Assembly of God church. He began serving on the Board of Deacons at the Plymouth Assembly of God at a very young age. He continued in Carthage, also serving many years as the secretary/treasurer. He was a faithful servant of the Lord, and by example, he taught all of his children to love Jesus.

Surviving are his wife Dorothy, of the home, his children Debbie (Bill) Ayres, Strafford, MO, Martha (Brad) Graul, Cross Roads, TX, Sarah (Kevin) Picklesimer, Sanford, FL, Samuel (Glenda) Speer, Lawton, OK, and Rachel (Andrew) Semple, Strafford, MO. Grandchildren Nathanael (Lauren) Ayres, Andrew (Nina) Ayres, Hannah Ayres, Kate (Justin) Graul Foster, Maggie (Justin) Graul Cordova, Alan Graul, Naomi Picklesimer, Anna Picklesimer, Vanessa Speer, Amanda (Seth) Speer Carper, Samantha Speer, Caleb, Jacob and Reuben Semple and three darling great grandchildren Eliana and Gideon Ayres and Lincoln Foster.

Memorials may be made to the 50+ group at Strafford First Assembly of God.

A special thank you to the caring staff of Integrity Home Care & Hospice.

Funeral services were held Wednesday, September 26, 2018 at Greenlawn North Funeral Home in Springfield, MO.